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Fashionline’s member businesses continue to offer effective products suited to the Australian market, while benefiting from effective support suited to their evolving needs.
The Australian climate seems to encourage the outdoor lifestyle, from the top end all the way down through to Sydney. Melbourne and country Victoria. As a result, we love our outdoor meals, social gatherings and really, anything else we can justify doing, including the afternoon nap!
As this lifestyle has evolved, so has our industry to cater for it. Amazing views, a cosy outdoor area or a private space in the midst of the urban landscape are all possible with the right advice and products.
Chris Reynolds from Undercover Blinds & Awnings (Victoria) first started with externals and has never looked back. “My first jobs in the industry were with external specialists. From there my experience grew and when we opened Undercover it was a natural fit for us to continue to grow and develop our specialisation towards externals. Melbourne is famous for its ‘four seasons in one day’ weather, so having the right products to support that climate was a perfect match. We are seeing trends in semi and full cassette awnings and to some extent, retractable pleated roofing systems. High quality side-tracking blind systems are always popular as well, and we see no signs of that slowing.”
Not too far away in Mildura, Darren Clark also sees his business, Fashion Window Blinds, as an externals specialist. “Our climate here can get to 45 degrees in the summertime, and our location means that to serve our region we’ve become a proficient manufacturer and supplier of external blind products.” Being the centre of the ‘Victorian Food Bowl’, eating and drinking is a significant part of the Mildura lifestyle and culture, he adds. “Our alfresco awnings and side retention awnings remain our most popular lines and are perfect for long lunches and entertaining outdoors,” he says.
All the way up in the hottest city in Australia, is Adrian Moscheni of Straitline Blinds. Straitline Blinds has been a trusted local name in Darwin for over two decades. “Being part of Fashionline has helped us have the confidence and ability to continue to grow and develop our product range and to recreate some amazing window treatments at the request of our customers,” he says. “With the long hot seasons we experience here in Darwin, the right blinds and awnings can make such a difference to the temperature of your home and outdoor living areas. We are seeing many customers interested in motorisation and the use of smart devices to control and get the most from their window furnishings.”
Chris Reynolds also acts as Fashionline’s subject matter expert on external awnings. “We are seeing more and more variation and products available these days. I try and keep on top of new products, and make sure we have the best information and best quality products for our group and customers.”
Fashionline continues to grow and support its members during the current challenging times resulting from Covid 19. Although the group usually meets in person three times a year, we aim to still provide support via video conferences for suppliers and members. Sharing information, tips, installation techniques and general information on products and the economy around the country provides great value to members and supports their independent business growth.”
